The Arizona sentinel., 1887-09-03
A BROWNING SOCIETY.
Romantic Story Overheard at One of
 Its Meetings.


 der to me why Browning societies ex- ist Every town of any importance has Browning society whose object seems to be the finding out of the mean ing of what MT. Browning writes. Now I could see some sense in Shaks- peare society, or Homer society, for these two estimable gentlemen have been dead for some time; but MT Browning is alive and well, and if any point in his writings is obscure l should think it the more practicable plan to send the old man a post card with return half to it and frankly ask him what he was driving at This would only cost few cents, and would save an endless amount of dis cussion that settles nothing, any how.
 Browning societies are mostly com posed of ladies, but now and then a man is admitted as a special favor, and on the evening when Mrs. Fernfield Hoskins gave a discourse on @ stanza of Browning had the honor of an in- vitation.
 The room was well filed and was pervaded with that subdued hum of polite conversation that is characteris- tic of our cultured assemblies. found a chair well in the background and sat directly behind couple of exceedingly pretty and very stylishly dressed young ladies. could not help thinking how we are apt to err in our estimate of those who move in what is termed good society, for I had noticed each of these young ladies on the avenue at different times and my hasty conclu- sion was that they were frivolous young things who had not either of them a mind above the latest Paris fashion, yet here they were prepared to enjoy an intellectual treat, for it is well known that Mrs. Fcrnfeld Hos kins, of Boston, is not only an earnest student but deep thinker.
 That I overheard the conversation of those young ladies during the evening was not my fault.
 You know, Florrie, 1 have been just dying to have talk with you and hear all the particulars. Of course, l heard a good deal about it, and it was so romantic. but as you were there, you will have so much more to tell Was it true that you found young Hart ford starving in a garret in Paris? l think that was perfectly delicious. And they said you were with her when she went to his studio never knowing it was his. But, of course, she did know, didn't she? You were her bridesmaid when they were mar ried in Paris. Do tell me all about It" At this moment these was rip pie of applause, and the chairman of the society rose and said that the name of Mrs. Fernfeld Hoskins was sufficient introduction to any cultured audience in the world. Applause He was sure that mo- where would the lady have warmer welcome than in Detroit. Renewed applause. It was at once hls pleasure and his privilege to present Mrs. Fern field Hoskins to the Browning Club of Detroit. [Great applause.
 At this a gray-haired lady of digni- fed presence slowly rose and came forward to the desk, on which she placed an open book. There was warm greeting from the audience and the two young ladies before me dain- tily patted their neatly gloved hands. Mrs. Fernield Hoskins adjusted her glasses. and after few eulogistic re- marks about the poet read in a well modulated voice the following lines: 'Where's the gainf
 How can we guard our unbelief,
 Make it bear fruit to us? The problem here. Just when we are safest, there's sunset touch. A fancy from fiower-bell, some ones death, A chorus ending from Euripides,
 And that's enough for fifty hopes and fears, As old and new at once as Natures self, To rap and knock and enter in our soul. Take hands and dance there, fantastic ring, Round the ancient idol, on his base again The great perhapsr'
 This stanza from Blougram, be- gan Mrs. Fernfield Hoskins, 'fs, as you are all aware"
 "Now, Florrie," whispered the girl at the left, what never could under stand was why old Coupon would not allow Fanny to marry young Hartford here, when he failed, and yet gave his consent to the marriage when they found him starving in Paris. There isn't any sentiment about John Coup on, and poor young man Tn Paris is just the same to him as a poor young man in Detroit Idon't believe he has an affection for anything on this earth except that railroad of his"
 Well" said the girl on the right, eff you tell me what you heard of the story I'll tell you whether it is core ct.
 "All right Hartford was engaged to Fanny Coupon the year before. Old Coupon never seemed to like the match very well, but Hartford ap- peared to be getting alone well on the Board of Trade, and so he consented. Then he lost every thing on that wheat deal. Was it wheat deal?"
 Fork, think. '
 "Wsl. anyhow, Old Coupon went